Air-Fryer Roasted Garlic: A Quick, Easy Method

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers provide a quick and easy way to roast garlic, taking half the time it would in an oven. This article will explore the benefits of roasting garlic in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add flavour to your dishes. The process is simple and can be done in under 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Garlic bulb(s)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional:

• Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

• Cut the top off the garlic bulb(s) to expose the inner cloves. Leave the peel on.
• Place the garlic bulb(s) on a square piece of foil. If using herbs, add them around the garlic bulb(s).
• Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves and add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
• Wrap the garlic bulb(s) tightly in the foil.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the foil-wrapped garlic bulb(s) in the air fryer basket or on the shelf.
• Roast for 15-25 minutes, until the garlic is soft and the top of the bulb(s) begins to caramelize and turn golden brown.
• Carefully remove the garlic from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Be cautious as the air fryer will be hot.
• Let the garlic cool for at least 10 minutes.
• Unwrap the foil and gently squeeze the garlic bulb(s) from the bottom to remove the cloves.

Storage:

Roasted garlic cloves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to six months. To freeze, place the cloves in a freezer-safe bag or container and cover them with olive oil.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a delicious seasoning that can be stored in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor of your meals. Here are some detailed and direct instructions on how to store roasted garlic:

Short-Term Storage:

If you plan on using the roasted garlic within a few days, there are a few simple methods to keep it fresh. One option is to place the garlic heads in a Ziplock bag or plastic container and store them in the refrigerator. Ensure that the cloves remain inside their protective outer peel, and you can store multiple heads in one bag. This method will keep the garlic fresh for up to three days.

Another short-term storage option is to cover the garlic with oil and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Place the roasted garlic cloves in a sealed canister or glass jar and pour olive oil over them, ensuring they are completely covered. This method will keep the garlic fresh for about one week. However, it is important to note that you should never store garlic in oil at room temperature, as it can create favorable conditions for botulism-causing bacteria to grow.

Freezing Roasted Garlic:

For long-term storage, you can freeze roasted garlic for up to 10-12 months. Here are two methods to do this:

• Ice Cube Tray Method: Mash the roasted garlic cloves and place them in an ice cube tray. Once the garlic cubes are frozen, pop them out and store them together in a Ziplock bag in the freezer. This method provides easy-to-use portions of garlic that you can simply pop out and use as needed.
• Baking Sheet Method: Place the individual roasted garlic cloves on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least an hour. After they are frozen, gather the cloves and store them together in a Ziplock bag in the freezer. This method requires a bit more effort when you want to use the garlic, as you will need to let them thaw completely and remove the outer peel before using them.

Additional Tips:

• When storing roasted garlic in the refrigerator or freezer, always remove the outer skins from the cloves.
• If you plan to store the garlic in olive oil, use extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
• Roasted garlic that has gone bad may become brown, mushy, or develop a rotten smell.

How to use roasted garlic

Roasted garlic has a more mellow flavour than raw garlic, and it's easier to digest. It's a great addition to many dishes, and you can also eat it straight out of its skin. Here are some ways to use roasted garlic:

Spread on Bread or Toast

Roasted garlic is a delicious spread on crusty bread, toast, or garlic toast. You can also add it to cheese bread or cheese plates.

In Pasta Dishes

Roasted garlic can be added to pasta dishes, such as spinach pasta or fresh tomato sauce spaghetti. It can also be mixed with Parmesan and pasta.

In Sauces and Dips

Roasted garlic is great in sauces, such as tomato sauce or tahini sauce. It can also be mixed with sour cream for a dip or with butter for a spread.

In Soups

Roasted garlic enhances the flavour of soups, including cabbage soup, carrot soup, cauliflower soup, and loaded baked potato soup.

In Salads and Salad Dressings

Roasted garlic is a tasty addition to salads and salad dressings.

In Pizza

You can add roasted garlic to pizza dough or use it as a topping, especially on a Mediterranean pizza or a margarita pizza.

In Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasted garlic goes well with air-fried or roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, baby potatoes, and zucchini.

In Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted garlic can be added to mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes for extra flavour.

In Stir Fry

Roasted garlic is a great ingredient in stir fry dishes, such as garlic butter chicken stir fry.

In Hummus

Roasted garlic adds a unique flavour to hummus.

Other Uses

Roasted garlic can be used in many other dishes, including:

• Garlic aioli
• Garlic mayo
• Pesto
• Roasted garlic vinaigrette
• Roasted garlic chicken
• Roasted garlic and buttercup squash soup
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted garlic white pizza sauce

The health benefits of roasted garlic

Yes, you can make roasted garlic in an air fryer. Here's a recipe:

> Separate and peel the garlic cloves. Place the cloves on a piece of aluminium foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle the oil on top. Wrap up the aluminium foil tightly around the garlic. Place in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 185C (370F).

Now, here are the health benefits of roasted garlic:

Roasted garlic has a sweet and mellow flavour, and it is a healthy addition to any dish. It has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts immunity. Roasted garlic is also a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against chronic diseases.

Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Allicin also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which help to improve the immune system. Roasted garlic can also help to improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots, due to the presence of compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol.

Additionally, roasted garlic may help to protect against certain types of cancer. This is due to the presence of compounds such as diallyl sulfide and allyl cysteine sulfoxide, which have been shown to have anticancer activity.

Roasted garlic is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It provides B vitamins, including vitamin B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin (B2), and thiamine. These vitamins function as coenzymes, helping the body to produce energy from food. Roasted garlic also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and vitamin K, which is important for blood coagulation.

Minerals found in roasted garlic include manganese, copper, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. These minerals support the nervous system and brain function, and also contribute to overall health and well-being.

With its high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential health benefits for the heart and immune system, roasted garlic is a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.

How to select garlic for roasting

When selecting garlic for roasting, it's important to choose fresh, high-quality garlic that will yield the best results. Here are some tips on how to select garlic for roasting:

• Firmness: Look for garlic heads with firm cloves. Squeeze the bulbs gently to ensure they feel firm and not soft or mushy. Avoid garlic with cloves that are starting to sprout, as this indicates that they are past their prime.
• Appearance: Choose garlic bulbs that have tightly closed cloves with no brown spots. The outer skin should be dry and papery, but not too dried out or moldy. Avoid bulbs with soft spots or visible signs of moisture, as these could indicate spoilage.
• Weight: A good garlic bulb should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that the cloves are plump and juicy.
• Organic young garlic: If possible, opt for organic young garlic. It tends to have a milder flavor and is less likely to have been exposed to prolonged storage or harsh handling.
• Aroma: Fresh garlic should have a pungent aroma. If the garlic has a weak or no smell, it may be past its prime or of lower quality.
• Quantity: Garlic is typically sold in heads or bulbs. Consider how many bulbs you will need for your recipe. Most recipes call for one or more bulbs, so buy accordingly.
• Storage: Plan to use the garlic within a few days of purchase to ensure freshness. Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place until you are ready to roast it.

By following these tips, you can select the best garlic for roasting and ensure that your roasted garlic turns out flavorful and delicious.

Frequently asked questions